Swiss Stories

Le violon à l’honneur à Genève

Violins take centre stage in Geneva

Society
For the first time in its history, the world's leading international competition for young violinists will be held in Switzerland. The Menuhin Competition, known as the 'Olympics of the Violin' will see the 44 top young violinists worldwide compete in Geneva from 12–22 April. This year two Swiss artists – Sumina Studer and Anatol János Toth – have made the competition, selected from over 300 young violinists from all over the world.
Creux du Van, a natural rock arena in the Jura mountains

The Switzerlands of the world

Society
The image of a small landlocked country with a stable economy, growing service sector, and scenic views of roaring rivers, glacier-fed lakes and snow-covered peaks is so associated with Switzerland that it is often used to describe other places.

by Jessica Davis Pluess

Pregnancy Ava ©Ava

Young Swiss entrepreneur innovates in women’s health

Science & Education
Lea von Bidder is among Switzerland’s most successful young entrepreneurs. She co-founded the Swiss startup Ava, an innovative medtech company working on women’s reproductive health. Lea’s ambition is to empower women through the advancement of medical research.
Velo Stromer © Stromer

Swiss pioneering spirit on two wheels

Society
The bicycle is the most practical means of day-to-day transport and is constantly being reinvented: as a piece of sports equipment, as an accessory or even as a vehicle with electrical assistance. Swiss manufacturers have played a key role in the history of the modern bicycle: let’s take a look at their contributions.
swiss flag

The Swiss flag – a plus for the country

History
The Swiss flag rarely goes unnoticed. Square in shape, this striking flag composed of a white cross of strictly defined proportions on a red background is not just a distinctive visual icon – it also happens to have a fascinating story.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier

Swiss cuckoo Loetscher

A little birdie from Switzerland?

History
"Watch the birdie." This phrase once used by photographers to capture the attention of their subjects could just as easily apply to cuckoo clocks. Who among us has never heard the call of a cuckoo mark the passing of another hour? The cuckoo clock has a history dating back centuries that first began in the Black Forest area of Germany, but which was eventually to take flight in Switzerland. Let's shed some light on this funny little bird that conquered the world!

by Dimitri Kas

militaire

Military peace support

Society
Some 250 Swiss nationals are currently engaged in military peace support missions worldwide. With its strong commitment to international conflict management efforts, Switzerland is thus helping to preserve peace and protect local populations. Swiss military personnel are highly valued because of their consensual approach and multilingual skills and their country's neutrality.